Electrodynamic Valve Actuator with Magnetic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized fluid valve technologies face challenges in achieving space-saving designs while maintaining sufficient magnetic force, as the magnetic field strength decreases with smaller coils, and electrodynamic actuators require additional components for holding forces.
Innovation Solution
An electrodynamic valve with a movable control element and a soft-magnetic part that interacts with the magnetic field to hold the element in position without electric current, utilizing the Lorentz force for movement and the magnetic field for retention, allowing for energy-efficient operation and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the coil size is reduced for miniaturization, then the device becomes more compact, but the magnetic field strength decreases strongly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation system (coil generating magnetic field) with an electrodynamic system using permanent magnets and Lorentz force. The control element with spiral conductor path interacts with the permanent magnet's magnetic field to generate force, eliminating the need for large coils while maintaining sufficient actuation force in miniaturized valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from electromagnetic (current-dependent) to electrodynamic (permanent magnet + controlled current interaction). This parameter change allows the system to achieve adequate force with significantly reduced coil volume by using the permanent magnet's inherent magnetic field combined with controlled current pulses through the spiral conductor path.
2Volume of moving object
If electromagnetic actuators are used for miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the maximum possible current is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic actuator design with an electrodynamic actuator using permanent magnets. This replacement allows the system to achieve the required magnetic force with lower current demands, as the permanent magnet provides the primary magnetic field and the control element's spiral conductor path only needs sufficient current to generate the Lorentz force for actuation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If permanent-magnetically interacting means are added for holding the control element, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holding function with the existing permanent magnet and control element structure. The permanent-magnetically interacting means are integrated into the control element itself, which already contains the spiral conductor path. This integration allows the control element to be retained in defined positions through magnetic interaction without requiring separate holding mechanisms, thus reducing energy consumption while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element serves multiple functions: it acts as the movable component for valve actuation, contains the spiral conductor path for electrodynamic interaction, and incorporates permanent-magnetically interacting means for position holding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate holding devices, reducing overall system complexity while achieving energy-saving operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The valve operates efficiently with minimal energy consumption, maintaining stable positions without continuous current flow, and can be designed without additional installation space, suitable for miniature applications.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a linearly movably mounted control element with a spiral conductor path printed thereon. On energization of the conductor path a magnet arrangement exerts a Lorentz force on the control element with the spiral conductor path, whereby the same is deflected.
Implementation Method 2
Permanent-magnetically interacting means are provided, which retain the control element in at least one of the defined positions, even when the coil is currentless. The permanent-magnetically interacting means need not be permanently magnetic themselves. It is sufficient when these means interact with a permanent magnet, such as in particular a part made of a soft-magnetic material.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes an electrodynamic actuator which has a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field and a control element movable relative to the magnet arrangement. The control element includes an energizable coil which is arranged in the magnetic field and is firmly coupled to a coil carrier. The control element is movable between at least two defined positions. There are provided permanent-magnetically interacting holding force which retain the control element in at least one of the defined positions, even when the coil is currentless.